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Energy security
…on power grids and leading to new peak demand records and resiliency challenges. In 2019, 1°C in outdoor temperature increase was associated with a 5 GW increase in peak electricity demand; with rising air‑conditioner ownership and increasing temperatures, this value rose to 7 GW in 2024 and could further rise to 12 GW in 2030 without further efficiency action. If India were to experience similar heatwaves as in recent years – with temperature anomalies of over 4°C – the additional peak load would amount to 47 GW. However, if all new air conditioners in India were highly efficient (e.g. through increased minimum energy performance standards)…
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Electricity Market Design
…liquidity and accessibility, which can make it harder for participants to manage risk and invest with confidence. Complementary mechanisms have become structural features of many systems, helping to support resource adequacy and decarbonisation objectives, but their effectiveness and cost efficiency depends on designs that work in concert with market signals.The analysis highlights that coherent evolution across market layers and mechanisms is essential to maintain secure, affordable and sustainable electricity systems. The report concludes with insights to guide policy makers as they refine market arrangements and ensure that markets remain resilient, efficient and responsive as system needs continue to change.
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Integrating Variable Renewable Energy in Kenya
…variable renewable energy (VRE). The report identifies Kenya’s system to be operating in Phase 3 of the IEA’s VRE integration framework, where variability increasingly influences system operations. It explores the key challenges that lie ahead and how three mutually reinforcing pillars - open access, flexibility and storage, and ancillary services - can support the development of a reliable, secure and sustainable electricity system. The analysis highlights that increasing generation capacity alone will not be sufficient to address existing and emerging system pressures. Adapting market, regulatory and operational frameworks will be equally important to deliver a reliable and affordable electricity system…
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Clean Energy Technology Supply Chain Data
…an essential role to play. The availability of good-quality, timely data is crucial to gaining this understanding and to identifying and addressing supply chain vulnerabilities.This report is provided as an input to the discussions taking place as part of the Global Clean Power Alliance Supply Chains Mission – an initiative established by the Government of the United Kingdom to advance practical solutions to strengthen clean power supply chains. This report addresses the data component of this initiative and explores the challenges – and potential solutions – to the paucity of granular and timely data associated with clean energy technology supply chains.
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Scaling Up Demand Flexibility
…initiative to examine the growing importance of demand flexibility in electricity systems amid rising demand, increased renewable energy integration and the electrification of power systems. Case studies in chronological order to examine the changing role of demand flexibility over time from South Africa (2025), Thailand (2030) and Ireland (2035) demonstrate how demand flexibility improves reliability, reduces costs, supports renewables integration and manages network constraints. To realise these benefits, the report emphasises the role for smart technologies, inclusive policies, regulatory reforms and consumer engagement to scale flexibility and move away from emergency interventions, towards a more strategic and efficient system capability…
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Grid investments
…In order to save the same amount of electricity, energy efficiency measures would cost only between USD 10 million and 50 million. A closer look at grid management The deployment of energy efficiency measures typically requires less time than the implementation of most new generation and grid infrastructure. On average, new generation and grid infrastructure can take years to implement, whereas efficiency measures, such as industrial process upgrades and building retrofits, take less than one year to deploy. Demand-side measures can also reduce grid congestion, a key factor in determining costs to manage the system. These congestion management costs tripled in Germany…
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The Value of Demand Flexibility
…strong emphasis on its role in improving energy efficiency. As electricity demand grows and power systems become more electrified, decentralised and renewable-rich, managing when and how electricity is used is increasingly as important as expanding supply.The brief sets out a clear framework for understanding demand flexibility and highlights its contribution to an efficiency-first approach to power system planning and operation. By shifting or adjusting electricity use in response to system conditions, demand flexibility improves the utilisation of existing generation and network assets, reduces peak stress, lowers losses and curtailment, and supports more efficient integration of clean energy…
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Multiple Benefits of Energy Efficiency
As energy efficiency continues to gain attention as a key resource for economic and social development across all economies, understanding its real value is increasingly important. The multiple benefits approach seeks to expand the perspective of energy efficiency beyond the traditional measure of energy savings by identifying and measuring its impacts in full bloom.
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Electricity 2026
…backdrop, Electricity 2026 – the IEA’s annual report on global electricity systems and markets – provides in-depth analysis of the recent trends and policy developments underpinning this new era. It includes forecasts for electricity demand, supply and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions for select countries, by region and worldwide. This year the forecast period has been expanded to five years, 2026-2030, compared with the previous three-year outlook.As electricity use grows, power systems will need greater flexibility to securely and cost-effectively integrate an increasingly diverse mix of electricity generation sources while accommodating evolving demand patterns and technologies. This…
- Executive summary
- Demand
- Supply
- Grids
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+ 4 pages
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Integrating Solar and Wind in Southeast Asia
…the region possesses vast and diverse renewable resource potential. Variable renewable energy (VRE) - solar and wind - are now among the most cost-competitive generation options and are playing an increasingly important role in the region’s power sector. VRE presents an opportunity for the region to meet rising demand, support energy security, affordability and climate goals. However, integrating higher shares of VRE can present technical and regulatory challenges that require changes to system operation and planning. This report provides a comprehensive assessment of the readiness of Southeast Asia’s power sector to integrate higher shares of VRE - identifying opportunities and…
